Electrical stunning device



Feb. 2, 1965 w. G. ROLLINSI ELECTRICAL STUNNING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 26, 1965 INVENTOR. W/LBl/R G. ROLL/N5 a, $4 Ml a ,QTTORNE Y5 Feb. 2, 1965 w. G. ROLLlNS ELECTRICAL STUNNING DEVICE 3 Sheets$heet 2 Filed July 26, 1963 II I l /i/%// f4 liI IUUIH INVENTOR. W/LBflR 6. ROLL/N5 HTTOR/Vf Y6 Feb. 2, 1965 w. G. ROLLINS ELECTRICAL STUNNING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 26, 1965 INVENTOR. W/L 81/1? 6? ROLL //V.9

/@ Jam M/Xw 47' TORNEYS United States Patent 3,167,809 ELECTRICAL STUNNWG DEVICE Wilbur G. Rollins, Rochester, N.Y., assignor to Tobin Packing Co., Inc., Rochester, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Filed July 26, 1963, Ser. No. 297,907 2 Claims. (Cl. 17-4) This invention relates to an improved electrical stunning device for stunning an animal prior to slaughtering.

In the humane slaughtering of animals, the animal is stunned prior to bleeding or slaughtering. Electrical stunning has been one procedure followed in connection with animals such as hogs. Generally-speaking, electrical stunning of hogs has been quite satisfactory. However, problems have arisen with regard to the specific equip ment used in following this procedure.

Thus, certain of the devices used in electrical stunning of animals have been complicated, clumsy and difficult to manipulate. This slows down the operation of stunning, produces uncertain results with incomplete or only partial stunning of the animal at times, and not infrequently results in muscle spasms in the animal. Also, some of the electrical stunning devices heretofore available have been unsafe or hazardous to use in that the operator would sometimes be subjected to a relatively high voltage electrical shock.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the difiiculties and'disadvantages heretofore encountered and to provide an improved electrical stunning device for the stunning of animals prior to slaughtering which is of relatively, simple and inexpensive construction; which is light in weight and small in size so that itis easy to manipulate; and which has improved electrical circuitryv so as to eliminateior minimize the danger of subjecting the operator to high voltage electrical shocks. I

i A further object is the provision of'an electrical stunning device of improved construction so that the electrodes for applying electrical voltages to the animals head are norrnally'deenergized and only become energized when the device is manipulated and the operator exerts force or pressure thereon while applying the electrodes to the animals head. I

Y My invention contemplates the provision of an electrical stunning device in the form of an elongated, tubular handle made of a dielectric material and having diverging electrodes extendingfrom one end thereof for. application to the, head of the animalv to be stunned. A northeanim'al the switch will be closed so as to energize the electrodes. The, electrodes are connected in a relatively high voltage electrical circuit. On the other hand,

' the control switch is in a relatively low voltage circuit and controls a relay which operates a switch for energizing the electrodes. 1

* Inflthe accompanying drawings:

FIG.,. lis a perspective view of an electrical stunning device embodying my invention;

' FIG; 2 is a" broken view in section, on an enlarged scale,

showing the upper'and intermediate portions of the handle of the stunning device together with the operating switch and its electrical connectors;

FIG. 3 is a detailed elevational view of the end portion of the "stunning device showing the electrodes;

FIG. 4 is a detailed sectional view of the end portion of the stunning device in the direction of the, arrows on the line 4' 4 of FIG, 3; a

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of the arrows on the line 55 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the stunning device connected to an electrical control box and about to be used in the stunning of a hog;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view showing one form of circuitry that may be used in my stunning device and control box; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the end portion of a modified type of stunning deviceshowing'it in use and showing different forms of electrodes.

Referring to the drawings, my improved stunning device is shown generally at 19 and is connected to a control box 12 by means of a retractable cord 14. The control box in turn is connected by a lead 16 to an electric power supply, such as volt, 60 cycle current through outlet 18.

As will be later described in greater detail, the voltages supplied to the electrodes of the stunning device by the controlbox may be varied by means of the voltage regu-.

lator 20. Also, through the control box, a control switch 22 on the stunning device connected in a low voltage electrical circuit serves to energize the electrodes with high voltage current. i

My improved stunning device 10 comprises a relatively elongated tubular handle 24 made of a light-weight, strong, relatively rigid, dielectric material such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene or a synthetic rubber. The length of the handle may vary. I have found that a convenient handle may be formed from a tubular, cylindrical rodv approximately. 24" to 30" in length.

The tubular handle has a first end portion which serves as a gripping area which may be gripped by one hand of the operator, as shown in FIG. 6. It also has a second end portion to which'the electrodes 25 are secured. Intermediate the ends of the tubular handle is a second gripping area which is gripped by the second hand of theoperator, also as shown in FIG. 6. The spring biased control switch 22 is mounted on'the rear face of this second intermediate gripping area. As shown in FIG. 2, control switch 22 is normally biased to open position by spring 256. When the operator grasps the handle in his two hands and then manipulates the handle to apply the electrodes to the head of the hog or other animal he exerts. force against the switch in the intermediate gripping area, thereby closing the switch and energizing the electrodes. When this force is released, the switch automatically opens and the electrodes are deenergized.

The electrodes are made of a suitable electrically coliducting metal, such as'copper, brass, aluminum, aluminum Y alloy, or steel. As shown mostclearly in FIG. 4, they are front 'face of the stunning device, as shown most clearly in FIG. 3., The electrodes are heldin place by conductor plates 27 mounted on the inner surfaces of the lower end of the handle on diametrically opposite sides and connected to the electrodes by means of rivets 28 which extend through the electrodes and conductor plates, and

through the side wall of the handle. The conductor plates and rivets are also made of an electrically conductive 1 metal similar to thatfrom which the electrodes are made.

Thus, current applied to the conductor plates 27 will pass through the rivets to the electrodes 25.- The upper portions ofthe electrodes 25 areencased in a wrapping 29 of flexible insulating material, such as rubber, synthetic rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyeth'ylene,or the like. The i a lower end of the handle and the portions of the electrodes.

Patented Feb. 2, 1965 sne vysea mounted on the handle are encased in an outer wrapping or sheath of Similar insulating material.

Electrical. leads or wires 32 and'33 are connected at their lower ends to. terminals on the conductor plates 27, and extend longitudinally through the tubular 'handleto the. upper or first end where they extend outwardly as two ofthe conductors of the four-conductor retractable cord 14. i

As shown most clearly in ,FIG. 2, and in circuit dia' gram FIG. 7, the twoterminalsof push-button control switch 22 are connected to leads 34 and 'which extend through the tubular handle fromthe switch to. the first or upper end of the handle where they extend outwardly as the other-two conductors of four-conductor retractable cord 14.

" Aspreviously indicated, the leads 34 and 35 of control switch v2'22. areconnected in a relatively low voltage circuit, less than approximately 10 volts, preferably'approximately 6 volts. In series in the same circuit is a relay indicated generally in the ,circuit diagramFIG, 7

by the numeral 36, which when energized serves to close. a relay. switch 37 which is in series with the circuit or. high a voltage leads 32 and 33. The switch 37 is normally open, however, when control switch ZZis closed it actu-- ates relay 36 closing swltch'37 so as to energize electrodes 25 through leads 32 and 33.

As shown in FIG. 7, the relay is of the un electro magnetic type. having coil.38' disposed in series with switch 22. a

The electrical energy applied across the electrodes 25 may vary with the size of the animal and the length of time that the electrodes are applied to the animals head.

: secondary winding .46 so that different voltages may be The current should be adequate so that the animal will of time, no more than approximately 5 seconds." I have foundthat satisfactory. results are'achieved in aSO' watt output with voltages between approximately 250and 500 volts, where the electrodes are'appliedto the" head of a hog adjacent the base of the ears for aperiod of approximately 3 seconds. In the'case of a relativelysmall hog I of approximately 200 lbs. I prefer toapply approximately I 280' volts acrosstheelectrodes for a period of 3 seconds with aSO Watt output. For amediurn size hog of approximately 300 lbs. I prefer toaappl-y approximately 340 1. jivolts. For a large size hog ofover 400, lbs. I prefer to apply approximately 400 volts.-

ibe stunned when the electrodes are applied for a period obtained. In the illustrated embodiment, I have shown three taps giving voltages respectively of 400 volts,340 volts, and 280 volts. Variable voltagecontrol switch. 2%,

relay switch 37 and leads 32 and33 are connected in series with secondary winding ;46. Thus, when the relay switch is closed, the. two electrodes. 25' will be energized with the. high voltage, current.

In using'my improved stunning device, cord "16 of control box 12 is connected to the, source-of electric power through receptacle 18. Retractable cord 14 of'the stunningdevice is then connected to the output of the control box. Switch43 is then closed and. indicating light 44 will light to show that the control box is energized. The variable voltage control switch 20 is then'turned to the proper position togive the desired voltage output. The operator then grasps the first orupper endportion of the handle'in his one hand and gripsthe intermediate portion of the handle in his-other hand, as indicated in 20 FIG. 6, and arranges the device so that the prongs bend downwardly towards the hog or other animal to be stunned. When the hog is inthe 'properposition, he

tightlyv grips the intermediate portion of the: handle and. presses the handle downwardly son to apply the two .prongs .of the electrodes tothe head adjacent the base of the ears. In thus gripping the intermediate portion of the handle and. applying the electrodes against the head of the animal, theoperatOr exerts pressure with the ini a side of his hand against the spring biased control switch 36 22"so as to close it, thereby activating the relay and energizing the electrodes. He continues toj apply pressure or force in'this fashion for approximately 3 seconds, and the animal is then stunned. The animal will remain in gstunned condition for several minutes so as togpermit the j subsequent operations of suspending the animal by his 7 rear legsand bleeding him by cutting the'jugular vein.

" The animal is preferably led to' the stunningarea in a I Y eonfinedrunway or. compartment, as; shown most clearly The electrical output maybe supplied from separate.

separate secondary windings of coils of the .same trans- I former, "in which theprimary 40 is connected by 'leads.

electric power sourcesr However, Ihaveyfound that the 7 two voltagesmaybe conveniently derived throughtwo' 41 and 42 extending'th'roughcord'16to a receptacle 18 connecte'd't'o the usual electrical power supply of 110 volts, 60 cycles,.as shown most clearly in FIGS. 6and'7.

The transformer is'located in control box' 12, and a when the switch is closed.

' As previouslyindicatedQthe transformer preferably has two secondarywwindings' orrcoils, one relatively small approximately 400Volts; p i The small winding is connected through two of'the conductors of retractable cord 14 to leads 34 and 35 I 'whicharev connected to the terminals of control switch I 22/ .The electromagnetic winding 38 of: relay 36 -is con-f nectedin'series with this circuit. Thus, .When'control f switch 22 is closed, the relay is actuated .of the high voltagecircuihi ariable-voltage control 'SWitCll' 20; onthe control box to close switch i switch '43 lisl preferably provided 1 in "the power. *line in. series. with primary coil .40. An indicator light 44 may also be connected inserieswith switch 43 so, as to show winding 45 with an output of approximately-6 volts, and J one relatively large winding or coil with an 'outp'utrof.

. :IZ isconnecteddn series withfthe-output of the'relatively large secondaryfwindin'g 46; asshow n in the circuit dia a gram 19161 7. .A :plurality .of tapsare provided on the.

. approximately'the samefashion at claims.

in FIG. 6, so that all; of the. animalswill be positioned in ning operation is P rformed.

I In FIG: 8 v1 have shown aemodified'form of.stunning T device, having auxiliary prongs 50in addition to the pri-.

mary prongs? The auxiliary prongsj'St) project inwardly and are :moreclosely spaced togetherf These are adapted.-

to be applied to the headforwardly' ofthe base of the ears; The auxiliary prongsassureadditional contact with the .head duringthe stunning 'operatiom Inf-all other respects, the stunning device shown 'inf FIG. 8 is the same as that shown in the first seven figures of the drawings. Thus, it will be seen that I have provided-an' improved electrical stunning device which is of..relatively.simple and inexpensive construction; *whichfis easy to manipulate =and'can belreadilya'pplied withcertaintyto the de-.'

sired portion ofthe head of the animal; 'andwhich'is so constructed that it can be safely operated without danger of shocking theoperator. v i V Mod-ifications may be made-in the;illustrate d and described embodiments o'f;myjinvention without departing from "my "invention as setforth: in the ;.'accompanying 1. An electrical stunning devic ifor stunninggan animal prior to slaughtering comprisingreanelongated tubular .handle madefofydielectric; materialandflhavin'g first and second end, portions andi'front and rear faces vwith .the

first end portion serving lasa gripping area'to be gripped the, time'that the stunspaced apart a distance su'lficient to approximately span the area of the head between the base of the ears of the animal to be stunned; a control box with transformer means mounted therein with a pair of secondary coils,

one serving as a source of relatively high voltage electric current and the other serving as a source of relatively low voltage electric current and having a relay with an electromagnet in the circuit of the low voltage secondary coil and a relay switch actuated by the electromagnet in the circuit of the high voltage secondary coil; electrical leads extending through the tubular handle and connected to the electrodes at the second end portion of the tubular handle and having means at the first end portion to connect the leads to the circuit of the relatively high voltage secondary coil so as to be controlled by the relay switch; and a control switch mounted on the rear face of the handle in the intermediate gripping area thereof and having leads for connecting it to the circuit of the low voltage secondary coil in series with the relay electromagnet, said control switch being spring biased so as normally to be maintained in open position so that when the operator grips the said intermediate gripping area to References ilited by the Examiner I UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,902,901 3/33 Tefft 17-1 2,977,627 4/61 Morse et al l7-1 3,012,271 12/61 Morse;

3,055,646 9/ 62 Hlavacek et al. 171 3,104,417 9/63 Berry 17-1 3,110,925 11/63 McMath et al 171 3,152,357 10/64 Wemmer 171 SAMUEL KOREN, Primary Examiner.

LUCIE H. LAUDENSLAGER, Examiner. 

1. AN ELECTRICAL STUNNING DEVICE FOR STUNNING AN ANIMAL PRIOR TO SLAUGHTERING COMPRISING: AN ELONGATED TUBULAR HANDLE MADE OF DIELECTRIC MATERIAL AND HAVING FIRST AND SECOND END PORTIONS AND FRONT AND REAR FACES WITH THE FIRST END PORTION SERVING AS A GRIPPING AREA TO BE GRIPPED BY ONE HAND OF THE OPERATOR AND WITH AN INTERMEDIATE PORTION SERVING AS A GRIPPING AREA TO BE GRIPPED BY THE SECOND HAND OF THE OPERATOR; A PAIR OF ELECTRODES MADE OF AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTING MATERIAL MOUNTED ON SAID TUBULAR HANDLE AND HAVING PRONG-LIKE PORTIONS PROJECTING FROM THE SECOND END OF THE HANDLE IN DIVERGING RELATIONSHIP AND BEING CURVED TOWARDS THE FRONT OF THE HANDLE AND TERMINATING IN FORWARDLY AND OUTWARDLY FACING ENDS SPACED APART A DISTANCE SUFFICIENT TO APPROXIMATELY SPAN THE AREA OF THE HEAD BETWEEN THE BASE OF THE EARS OF THE ANIMAL TO BE STUNNED; A CONTROL BOX WITH TRANSFORMER MEANS MOUNTED THEREIN WITH A PAIR OF SECONDARY COILS, ONE SERVING AS A SOURCE OF RELATIVELY HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRIC CURRENT AND THE OTHER SERVBING AS A SOURCE OF RELATIVELY LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRIC CURRENT AND HAVING A RELAY WITH AN ELECTROMAGNET IN THE CIRCUIT OF THE LOW VOLTAGE SECONDARY COIL AND A RELAY SWITCH ACTUATED BY THE ELECTROMAGNET IN THE CIRCUIT OF THE HIGH VOLTAGE SECONDARY COIL; ELECTRICAL LEADS EXTENDING THROUGH THE TUBULAR HANDLE AND CONNECTED TO THE ELECTRODES AT THE SECOND END PORTION OF THE TUBULAR HANDLE AND HAVING MEANS AT THE FIRST END PORTION TO CONNECT THE LEADS TO THE CIORCUIT OF THE RELATIVELY HIGH VOLTAGE SECONDARY COIL SO AS TO BE CONTROLLED BY THE RELAY SWITCH; AND A CONTROL SWITCH MOUNTED ON THE REAR FACE OF THE HANDLE IN THE INTERMEDIATE GRIPPING AREA THEREOF AND HAVING LEADS FOR CONNECTING IT TO THE CIRCUIT OF THR LOW VOLTAGE SECONDARY COIL IN SERIES WITH THE RELAY ELECTROMAGNET, SAID CONTROL SWITCH BEING SPRING BIASED SO AS NORMALLY TO BE MAINTAINED IN OPEN POSITION SO THAT WHEN THE OPERATOR GRIPS THE SAID INTERMEDIATE GRIPPING AREA TO PRESS THE ELECTRODES AGAINST THE HEAD OF AN ANIMAL TO BE STUNNED THE CONTROL SWITCH IS CLOSED TO ACUATE THE RELAY AND ENERGIZE THE ELECTRODES, AND WHEN THE PRESSURE IS RELEASED THE CONTROL SWITCH IS OPENED AND THE RELAY IS DEACTIVATED AND THE ELECTRODES DEENERGIZED. 